Putin's rating falls to 2013 levels after pension reform announced

Saturday, June 23, 2018 1:00:29 PM

Russian President Vladimir Putin’s rating fell from 62% to 54% between June 10 and 17, ending at its lowest level since 2013. This was evidenced by data collected by the Russia Public Opinion Research Center (VCIOM), reports Meduza.io.

According to the VCIOM, approval of Putin's activities fell from 77% on June 10 to 72% on June 17. The Center also recorded a decrease in approval ratings for the work of the prime minister and the government. VCIOM spokesperson Mikhail Mamonov claimed that the decrease in approval ratings for the authorities was influenced by rising gasoline prices and the announcement of pension reforms.

On June 14, the Russian government proposed to increase the retirement age from 60 to 65 for men and from 55 to 63 for women. A planned increase in VAT from 18% to 20%was also revealed on the same day.

Announcements about pension reform have caused discontent across all parliamentary parties, except for United Russia, as well as among external opposition and trade unions.

A petition created by the Confederation of Labor of Russia (KTR) on the website change.org against raising the retirement age has already gained more than two million votes. KTR has filed more than fifty applications for rallies against pension reform. Four cities have already approved the applications.

In addition, some cities have agreed to concurrent actions with supporters of Alexei Navalny against the increase in retirement age.